The Canada- West semi- finals will kick off tonight as defending Canada- West champions, Regina Cougars face Calgary Dinos in semi- final one ; the other one will feature, Lethbridge Pronghorns vs. Saskatchewan Huskies.
The Cougars are looking to win their second straight Canada- West Championship. The Huskies are looking to get third Canada- West Championship in four seasons. The Dinos have not won a CW title since 2000-01 season and Pronghorns last won in 1992-1993 season. This is their first CW semi-final appearance since 1995.
Regina Cougars vs. Calgary Dinos Preview-
The Regina Cougars are in their into seven CW semi-final in nine years.The Dinos are in their second- straight CW semi-final, where they were swept by the Cougars last year in semis. They ended up winning the bronze medal and invite to Nationals. The Cougars swept the Dinos in opening weekend of regular season.The Cougars and Dinos both had a record of 17-3 in regular season.
Defense-
The Cougars averaged 79.7 points a game/1593 points during the regular season, second in Canada- West. They averaged 17.8 offensive rebounds which was first in conference. The Cougars on offense are led by third-year guard, Kyanna Giles who averaged 18.4 points a game,349 points which ranked her seventh in conference. Giles in playoffs is averaging 15.5 points/31 points in two games. She also led the team in offensive rebounds with 62.
The Dinos averaged 76.1 points a game/1522 points, sixth in CW during the regular season. They averaged 16.3 offensive rebounds , second in conference. The Dinos are lead on offense by fourth- year guard/ forward, Erin McIntosh. McIntosh averaged 15.4 points a game/ 308 points during the regular season. In the playoffs, she’s averaging 16.0 points a game/ 32 points in two playoff games. She also led the team in offensive rebounds with 54 during the regular season.
Defense-
The Cougars held its opponents to 57.1 points per a game and field goal percentage of 30.7% which was first in CW. They force 14.4 turnovers per a game. The team on defense was led by Giles who had 49 steals. Fifth- year forward, Christina McCusker led the conference in blocks with 42.
Dino’s opponents averaged 58.9 points a game against them. The Dino’s opponents shot 36.4% against them. They force 16.4 turnovers a game. On defense, they are led by fourth- year guard,Sascha Lichtenwald. She led the team in steals with 47.
Prediction: The Cougars will win in three.
Lethbridge Pronghorns vs. Saskatchewan Huskies Preview-
The Pronghorns waited 24 years to make it back to semi-finals. The Huskies enter the semi- final in a familiar position as they look to make it to their fourth straight CW championship game. The teams did meet in regular season where the Huskies swept Pronghorns last month. The Huskies finished the regular season with a record of 16-4 and Pronghorns had a record of 12-8.
Offense–
Pronghorns average 73.9 points/1478 points. They averaged 14.8 offensive rebounds per a game. The team on offense is led by fourth-year guard, Kacie Bosch. She averaged 15.1 points a game/301 points. In the playoffs, Bosch is averaging 15.5 points a game/45 points in three games. She also had 12 rebounds. Fourth- year guard Katie Keith led the team in offensive rebounds with 58.
The Huskies averaged conference high, 81.3 points a game/ 1627 points. They averaged 16.0 offensive rebounds a game. The offense relies high on fourth-year guard, Sabine Dukate who averaged 15.6 points/ 312 points. Dukate in the playoffs is averaging 20.5 points a game/41 points . Third- year forward Summer Masikewich. She had 67 offense rebounds which was fourth in U Sports.
Defense-
Pronghorns limited it’s opponents to 69.0 points a game, team’s shot 38.7% and they force 16.6 turnovers per a game. Fourth- year guard, Asnate Fomina led the team in steals with 28 steals along with six blocks.
The Huskies held its opponents to 55.7 points a game, first in CW. Teams shot 33.8% , second in Canada- West. Huskies had 17.6 turnovers a game. Dukate led the team in steals with 30 steals.
Prediction time: I think the Huskies will sweep.
